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In Training

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

1 Timothy 4:8
In Training Book Cover

Are you one of those people who really enjoys working out, or is it something you have to motivate yourself to go do? No matter which one you are, we can all agree there’s a huge payoff when a workout is done. Your body is tired, sure, but the endorphins have kicked in and you feel healthier and stronger.

In the same way we have to train our bodies, we also have to train our minds and hearts to focus on the things of God. “Train yourself for godliness,” as 1 Timothy 4:7 tells us. Paul uses his letters to Timothy to encourage him in his faith and remind him of his role as a carrier of the gospel. In verse 8 he says: “While bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” The time we spend focusing our hearts and minds on God will not only affect us, but it will affect those around us. It’s doesn’t just matter for today; it matters for eternity.

it's a process

Let’s think about other big changes we see in life. You don’t go from point A to B easily when you work on any transformation—training for a marathon, growing as a couple in a marriage, or raising a child to understand the rules of your home (or even potty train!). It all takes time, but it’s possible. Sanctification is a process. Don’t get discouraged. Get disciplined.

Later in this study, we are going to talk about some practical ways to train yourself in godliness, but before we get there, consider what’s keeping you from growing. Is your schedule too overwhelming, so you don’t spend time with God? Is your mind so full of other things that you forget to talk to God? Is your Bible the last book in your reading pile? While all these things don’t need to become just another line item on your to-do list, addressing them can help you find real ways to connect with the God who is waiting for you. He’s way more concerned with your heart and character than your checklist, so don’t make it about achieving something. He just wants time with you. In fact, your time with him, growing in him, will be more effective than any goal on earth you may succeed at.

Not many people like the word discipline, but we’ve got to find some. In a world of constant notifications and on-the-spot gratification, are we willing to let the Holy Spirit do the work of changing our hearts? No matter the timeline, the result is always Jesus. In the end, you always get Jesus. And every minute with him is good for your soul. It’s what you were created for.

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The Power to Change

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Daily Question

What often keeps you from time with God? And how can you try to overcome that?

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Comments (11)

I’ve found over the years that if I don’t get up and have my time with God before I get distracted by other things, I don’t have that time. I need to discipline myself to have a consistent bedtime and get up when the alarm goes off instead of hitting snooze.

If I am honest. My husband has a very sweet routine of letting the dogs out bringing me coffee in bed. Then we all sit in bed and hang out a while. But then I just pick up my phone and go to social media… I start my day with that. Ugh. I have set a goal to put my phone downstairs and get up and come downstairs to spend time with God. It is getting better, but not perfect… I have done so most days this week. I pray for the Holy Spirit to help me do so.

Busy-ness tends to keep me from time with Jesus. I make time to exercise most days, because I see those results. If I’m honest, those closest to me see the results when I make time for God, too. I don’t think it should be an either/or for me, I think I need to make time for taking care of the outside of the temple, AND the inside.

I’m in a pretty good rhythm of getting into the Word right now, but when I tend to struggle with getting into the Word is when I over book my mornings. I do best when I guard my mornings:). I am a stay at home mom and am SO thankful for that privelege…with that privelege, I am granted some freedom in sitting down with Jesus once my kids go to school:)

With the craziness of this time in history,I find my mind distracted with politics, COVID, racial unrest, what are my kids going to do in the fall…Typically I am very disciplined and love my time in the word each day, but have been struggling this last few months.

I carve out time to spend with God and read the word each morning. I am disciplined with the reading but I notice that often times I treat this sacred time like a task that I need to complete. So instead of praying for the Lord to reveal something new about himself, with a humble heart, I instead go through the motions and don’t really absorb what the scripture is saying. My heart isn’t open. I want to commit to coming to the word like a needy child, hungry for food to sustain me. His word is a lamp unto my feet.

I carve out time to spend with God and read the word each morning. I am disciplined with the reading but I notice that often times I treat this sacred time like a task that I need to complete. So instead of praying for the Lord to reveal something new about himself, with a humble heart, I instead go through the motions and don’t really absorb what the scripture is saying. My heart isn’t open. I want to commit to coming to the word like a needy child, hungry for food to sustain me. His word is a lamp unto my feet.

Yes! I feel the same. I carve out time, but it becomes a chore rather than something joyful. And then I feel guilty for looking at it as a chore. I want to desire more of God during this time rather than just checking one more thing off of my list.

I am unwilling to take that first step with many tasks. I can be afraid of being overwhelmed and mind boggled by the ordeal. I need to take that first step and lean in to God.

Other things get in the way people texting, people talking to.me, many things crowd in my life. I have to make a conscious decision to study God’s Word! It is so rewarding I wonder why do I let these things come in between me and GOD?? ??

I’m so distractable, and often find my mind wandering to other thoughts, and things I “need to do”.
I’ve found when I sit in a quiet space early in the morning before life starts going I can allow the Lord to speak to me through his word and His Spirit.

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